Snooker players are renowned for being some of the finest cueists in cue sports. It is often very exciting when they switch across to pool for leading events such as the Mosconi Cup and the US Open.
Here is a look at some of the former world number one snooker players who have played pool at the highest level.
Ronnie O’Sullivan
The Rocket, Ronnie O’Sullivan, is considered the best snooker player of all time. He won his seventh world championship on the snooker tour back in April when he defeated Judd Trump 18-13 in the final at the Crucible.
As of the 26th of August, O’Sullivan is +450 in the sports betting to win his eighth world title next year, which would ensure he holds the record for the most wins in the World Snooker Tour (WST) tournament outright. He is currently level with Stephen Hendry with seven trophies.
O’Sullivan has played in two Mosconi Cup tournaments for Team Europe. He made his debut in 1996 where his side were beaten 15-13 by the United States. The Rocket won two of his three singles matches that year, with wins coming against Earl Strickland and Allen Hopkins.
Twelve months after his Mosconi Cup debut, O’Sullivan returned to Team Europe where he was used more often across the tournament. He featured in five games in total, prevailing in two matches and losing three of his matches.
O’Sullivan plays far less frequently on the WST today so a return to the Mosconi Cup cannot be ruled out again in the future, should his calendar be free in November/December.
Judd Trump
The 23-time ranking winner had his first taste of pool at the US Open in 2021. Judd Trump was beaten by fellow British compatriot Jayson Shaw in the fourth round. It was a strong performance from the Ace in the Pack in New Jersey, and it could lead to more snooker players featuring in the tournament in the future.
Change of scenery for today’s game @MatchroomPool @HomeLeisure pic.twitter.com/Hp8LQinZ7R
— Judd Trump (@juddtrump) September 7, 2021
Trump progressed through the opening three rounds of the major competition. He whitewashed Joe Magee 9-0 in his first match. The number 25 seed then had too much class for India’s Dhruvalkumar Patel, prevailing 9-2, while in round three, he beat Abdullah Al-Shammari 11-5.
In his game with Shaw, Trump’s lack of experience on the pool table showed, but coming up against one of the leading players in the sport, it was a great experience for the snooker star.
Trump gained some more table time in the losers’ section of the tournament. He lost 11-10 to South African Jason Theron in a very close encounter in round six.
Steve Davis
Englishman Steve Davis was involved in the inaugural Mosconi Cup in 1994 when the USA beat Europe 16-12 at the Roller Bowl in Romford. He was frequently used in singles and doubles matches in the event.
Davis, who was still one of the leading snooker players in his sport at the time, continued playing nine-ball pool in the 90s and 00s. He went on to play in 11 Mosconi Cup tournaments, making him a legend in the annual competition.
Although Davis was not regarded as one of the greatest entertainers in snooker, his steady approach to pool worked well for him. The pockets were obviously very big to him, and he had no problems with his cue ball control around the table.
Jimmy White
Like Davis, Jimmy White also featured in the opening Mosconi Cup in 1994. His style of play was perfectly suited to the tournament, while he was also a huge crowd pleaser on the table.
White ensured Europe won the Mosconi Cup for the first time in 1995, as he won the final singles match of the contest, beating Lou Butera 4-2 to ensure the home side lifted the trophy.
Getting some cheeky practice in before tonight. pic.twitter.com/DH0K3A2nGB
— Jimmy White MBE (@jimmywhite147) February 20, 2022
At the age of 60, White still plays on the snooker tour. He continues to qualify for tournaments and pick up wins over established players. The Whirlwind reached six Crucible finals, but he never managed to win the World Championship. However, he did lift the trophy in the World Seniors Championship in 2019.
The Mosconi Cup returns in 2022 for its 29th edition. It will take place in Las Vegas and Europe are the defending champions after prevailing 11-6 last December.
